资料来源 : pyDict

变量,可变物易变的;可变的;变量的;变异的

资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Variable \Va"ri*a*ble\, n.
   1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject
      to change.

   2. (Math.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a
      quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in
      the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the
      equation x^{2} - y^{2} = R^{2}, x and y are variables.

   3. (Naut.)
      (a) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
      (b) pl. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not
          expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind
          belts.

   {Independent variable} (Math.), that one of two or more
      variables, connected with each other in any way whatever,
      to which changes are supposed to be given at will. Thus,
      in the equation x^{2} - y^{2} = R^{2}, if arbitrary
      changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the
      independent variable, and y is called a function of x.
      There may be two or more independent variables in an
      equation or problem. Cf. {Dependent variable}, under
      {Dependent}.

Variable \Va"ri*a*ble\, a. [L. variabilis: cf. F. variable.]
   1. Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of
      alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds
      or seasons; a variable quantity.

   2. Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable;
      fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men
      are variable; passions are variable.

            Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. --Shak.

            His heart, I know, how variable and vain! --Milton.

   {Variable exhaust} (Steam Eng.), a blast pipe with an
      adjustable opening.

   {Variable quantity} (Math.), a variable.

   {Variable stars} (Astron.), fixed stars which vary in their
      brightness, usually in more or less uniform periods.

资料来源 : WordNet®

variable
     adj 1: liable to or capable of change; "rainfall in the tropics is
            notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable
            expenses" [ant: {invariable}]
     2: marked by diversity or difference; "the varying angles of
        roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable" [syn: {varying}]
     3: (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g.
        light) can be varied; "a variable capacitor"; "variable
        filters in front of the mercury xenon lights"
     n 1: something that is likely to vary; something that is subject
          to variation; "the weather is one variable to be
          considered"
     2: a quantity that can assume any of a set of values [syn: {variable
        quantity}]
     3: a star that varies noticeably in brightness [syn: {variable
        star}]
     4: a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or
        logical expressions to represent a variable quantity